## Basketball's Maverick Back With Bold Merger Idea

Rick Pitino isn't one to shy away from bold statements. Just weeks after Coach K floated the idea of an ACC-Big East merger, Pitino joined in, calling it "an awesome thing" for college basketball. 

**A Mega Conference Dream**

On a podcast with Jon Rothstein, Pitino argued that combining the traditional powerhouses like Duke, North Carolina, and Louisville with Big East stalwarts UConn, Villanova, and St. John's would be beneficial for both conferences.  “In order for the Big East and the ACC to survive this football mania — because a bad college football game will surpass an NBA playoff game as far as viewership is concerned," Pitino said.

He believes a mega conference would help preserve basketball’s prestige in a landscape increasingly dominated by football. "So, if we want to survive basketball-wise with the ACC and the Big East and to preserve the Dukes, the Carolinas, the Louisvilles of the world, and the Big East, combining it into a mega conference would be an awesome thing.”

**Reality Check: Football vs. Basketball**

Pitino’s vision faces significant hurdles. Most Big East schools don’t play football, making financial alignment with the ACC difficult.  TV rights also add another layer of complexity. Pitino admitted that while he believes expansion to 16-17 teams would benefit the Big East, league presidents are resistant due to concerns about money distribution. 

“Unfortunately, outside of Coach K and myself, I don’t think there are a lot of feelings that way,” he said of the merger idea.  “I don’t think the NCAA is very proactive, I don’t think the ACC and the Big East are very proactive. I don’t think they think outside of the box.”

**The Never-Ending Love Affair with Basketball**

At 72 years old, Pitino’s passion for basketball remains undimmed. He recently revealed that his son, Xavier coach Richard Pitino, tried to convince him to retire, but he admits he wouldn't know what to do without the game. “I think the blessing for me is I was two years out of the game, and boy, did I miss it.  If I’m without basketball, I think I would age considerably.”


One thing is clear: With Pitino back in the game, college basketball has an added dose of excitement and unpredictability. 


## Basketball's Maverick Back With Bold Merger Idea

Rick Pitino isn't one to shy away from bold statements. Just weeks after Coach K floated the idea of an ACC

Rick Pitino joins Coach K in calling for ACC-Big East merger

## Wildcats Scrimmage, Stewart Fires Up Fans

Kentucky football wrapped up another weekend of training camp with a closed scrimmage at Kroger Field on Saturday. While the full details remain under wraps, KSR reported unofficial observations from inside the stadium. 

Running backs Dante Dowdell and Seth McGowan took a load management approach, sitting out to stay healthy. Jason Patterson stepped in as the lead runner and impressed against the defense's front line. Head coach Mark Stoops confirmed the scrimmage focused heavily on situational work, despite several projected starters being absent.  Stoops also noted that the team is healthy heading into Week 3 of preseason camp.

The offensive fireworks came from wide receiver Hardley Gilmore, who made a dazzling one-handed catch in the end zone during the scrimmage. Stoops brought Gilmore back to Lexington after his brief transfer to Nebraska in the spring, recognizing the young player’s potential.  


**Defensive Line Coach Sets Tone**

Kentucky's defensive line coach Anwar Stewart isn't shy about setting expectations high. In a recent interview on WLAP’s Sunday Morning Sports Talk, Stewart dismissed the doubters who predict a 4-8 season for the Wildcats. He declared, "It’s all about us in that building... We don’t listen to the outside voices, man. It ain’t about what they think. It’s about what we go out and do. We’ve got a very competitive team."

Stewart's defensive line is considered one of the strongest units on the team, boasting several talented transfer additions, returning stars, and promising depth. 


**Looking Ahead:**

The focus shifts to coordinators this week. Brad White (defense) and Bush Hamdan (offense) will address the media following practice sessions.  Players from both sides of the ball are also expected to be available for interviews. 



## Wildcats in the NFL: Week 1 Recap

Former Kentucky players saw action across the NFL during Week 1 of the preseason.  

* **Buffalo Bills:** Ray Davis kicked a PAT and rushed for seven yards, while Deone Walker recorded three QB pressures and a batted-down pass on defense. Wan’Dale Robinson caught an 11-yard pass for the New York Giants.
* **Dallas Cowboys:** Zion Childress started at defensive back and made six tackles with one tackle for loss in a game against the Los Angeles Rams. 
* **Cleveland Browns:** Brenden Bates caught two passes for 30 yards in his debut alongside new quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
* **Baltimore Ravens:** Devin Leary struggled in his preseason debut, going 3-for-12 for 43 yards with a red-zone interception.

Other notable performances included Chris Rodriguez rushing six times for 22 yards for Washington, Mike Edwards making a tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs, and several former Wildcats contributing on defense for Seattle, Carolina, Denver, and Green Bay.


**“Madden NFL 26” Arrives This Week:**

Josh Hines-Allen (Jacksonville Jaguars) is the highest-rated former Wildcat in "Madden NFL 26" with a 90 overall rating.  Za’Darius Smith (Minnesota Vikings) follows with an 82 overall. The game officially releases on Thursday, but deluxe edition pre-orderers can start playing now.





## Wildcats Scrimmage, Stewart Fires Up Fans

Kentucky football wrapped up another weekend of training camp with a closed scrimmage at Kroger Field on Saturday.

KSR Today: Week 3 of camp, NFL debuts, Debbie Downers, and m

KSR Today: Week 3 of camp, NFL debuts, Debbie Downers, and more football talk

## From Wildcats to Cowboys: Zion Childress Making a Name for Himself in Dallas

The former Kentucky Wildcat is on the cusp of becoming a starter for the Dallas Cowboys just months after going undrafted. Zion Childress, a Houston native who finished his college career with three seasons at Kentucky, has impressed during training camp and preseason games, making a strong case for a starting spot at nickel cornerback. 

**Childress' Rise Through the Ranks**

After playing two seasons at Texas State, Childress transferred to Kentucky, quickly becoming a standout player for the Wildcats. He started every game over his final three years in Lexington, earning All-SEC Honorable Mention recognition and racking up 148 tackles and 10 tackles for loss. Despite going undrafted in the spring, Childress signed with Dallas as a free agent.

His performance during training camp has caught the attention of coaches. Injuries to other players have opened up opportunities, and Childress has seized them. He's been taking first-team reps alongside veterans DaRon Bland and Kaiir Elam. In the preseason opener against the Rams, Childress led the Cowboys defense with six tackles (five solo) including a tackle for loss. 

**Confidence Built on Hard Work**

"It’s been great for me," Childress said of his start in Dallas. "Just being able to show my ability to play football and play fast and eventually, when game time comes, I can show that I play physical." He added, “They’ll love you or they’ll hate you, and they just started loving me, and everybody followed suit.”

Childress attributes his success to his work ethic. "I was always taught you show people with your work ethic who you are," he said. 

Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer has also been impressed. “Zion has done a nice job for a young player,” Schottenheimer said last week. “I think you see some of the skills that we saw coming out of Kentucky that we really liked, but we’ll keep trying different groups and units.”


**A Familiar Path to Success**

Childress' trajectory echoes his time at Kentucky. He transitioned from a lesser-known player to a fan favorite and key contributor on defense. At Kentucky, Childress played multiple safety spots and nickel corner under coaches Mark Stoops and Brad White. Now in Dallas, he's showcasing the same versatility. 


His performance has ignited excitement among fans and analysts alike, with many predicting that Childress could secure a starting role for the Cowboys come opening day against the Philadelphia Eagles.  


## From Wildcats to Cowboys: Zion Childress Making a Name for Himself in Dallas

The former Kentucky Wildcat is on the cusp of becoming a starter for the Dallas

Zion Childress could go from UDFA to starter for Dallas Cowb

Zion Childress could go from UDFA to starter for Dallas Cowboys

## Wildcats Put Basics to Test in First Scrimmage

**Focus on Execution, Injury Report Light**

Kentucky's football team held their first preseason scrimmage at Kroger Field Saturday, a closed event for all but friends and family. While the full picture remains behind closed doors, glimpses into the action reveal a team focused on fundamentals and staying healthy.

"We needed to focus on our operation," quarterback Zach Calzada said after the scrimmage. "That was our first time operating under the 15-second cutoff through the headset, so just making sure we’re lined up, ready to go, and practicing some of our tempo, staying ahead of the sticks, and getting the ball out quick, being tough in the run game."

The Wildcats' coaching staff echoed this sentiment, prioritizing a smooth execution over flashy plays. Mark Stoops noted that while the offense successfully marched down the field and scored during the scrimmage, they need to further refine their operation. 

On the injury front, things look good for Kentucky.  Stoops confirmed a few minor bumps but assured no major injuries occurred during the scrimmage.


**Load Management Prevails**

Star running backs Dante Dowdell and Seth McGowan were noticeably absent from the scrimmage, along with other projected starters. Stoops has made it clear his priority is player health, especially after losing Chip Trayanum for most of last season due to a scrimmage injury. 

This cautious approach raises questions about how much these key players will participate in next week's scrimmage.


**Tackling Takes Center Stage**

Despite the positive aspects of the day, Stoops acknowledged concerns with the run defense, calling it "a little leaky" at times. JQ Hardaway, Kentucky's cornerback, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for more consistent tackling and eliminating missed opportunities.

"We have to do better tackling, getting the ball carrier on the ground," Hardaway said. "The first guy needs to get him to the ground. We shouldn’t have to have two, three guys to get him to the ground."

It's important to note that this scrimmage was the team's first live-tackling session since November, a fact that likely contributed to some initial rustiness.


**Kauwe Kicks Goals**

Jacob Kauwe, Kentucky's new kicker, showed promise in his debut. He reportedly made all six field goal attempts during special teams drills prior to the scrimmage and added several more conversions during 11-on-11 play.  

This strong performance from Kauwe comes after Alex Raynor, Kentucky's record-setting kicker, left the program.


**Scoring Success Fuels Optimism**

While the defense struggled at times, the offense proved capable of moving the ball and finding the end zone. They successfully navigated various scenarios during the scrimmage, including converting third-down situations and executing a two-minute drive.



This early success in fall camp offers hope for Kentucky's upcoming season.  


## Wildcats Put Basics to Test in First Scrimmage

**Focus on Execution, Injury Report Light**

Kentucky's football team held their first preseason scrimmage at

What We Learned from the First Kentucky Football Scrimmage o

What We Learned from the First Kentucky Football Scrimmage of Fall Camp

## Is Kentucky Really College Basketball's Greatest? 

Before every game at Rupp Arena, fans hear a familiar greeting: "Welcome to Rupp Arena, Home of the Greatest Tradition in College Basketball!" But is that statement truly 100% correct? One investigative look at the numbers suggests it just might be. 

**A Legacy Measured in Wins**

The raw data paints a compelling picture. Kentucky boasts the most wins and 20-win seasons in college basketball history.  They've secured an astounding 31 SEC Tournament Titles – just three fewer than the rest of the league combined. Their postseason success further solidifies their place among the elite, with eight NCAA championships and countless Final Four appearances.

 **Beyond the Box Score: The Big Blue Nation**

While these numbers speak volumes, it's more than just wins and losses that define Kentucky basketball.  The program's immense popularity is undeniable, fueled by a passionate fanbase known as the "Big Blue Nation." This dedicated following creates an electric atmosphere at Rupp Arena, making it one of the most intimidating venues in college sports. 



**Stay Up-to-Date on the Wildcats**


For more Kentucky news and views, check out the KSR YouTube Channel for interviews with coaches and players, commentary from the KSR crew, Rapid Reactions following big events, and a lineup of live shows.  


## Is Kentucky Really College Basketball's Greatest? 

Before every game at Rupp Arena, fans hear a familiar greeting: "Welcome to Rupp Arena, Home of the Great

#Ksr

Rick Pitino joins Coach K in calling for ACC-Big East merger

KSR Today: Week 3 of camp, NFL debuts, Debbie Downers, and more football talk

Zion Childress could go from UDFA to starter for Dallas Cowboys

What We Learned from the First Kentucky Football Scrimmage of Fall Camp

25 Reasons Why Kentucky is the Greatest Basketball Program of All Time